Description
This Cinnamon Swirl Bread is a delightful and visually appealing loaf featuring a sweet cinnamon sugar swirl baked right into the middle. The bread is moist and tender thanks to buttermilk and vegetable oil, with a perfect balance of cinnamon spice and sweetness. Finished with a simple confectioners’ sugar glaze, it’s an ideal treat for breakfast, snacks, or a cozy dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1-1/2 cups sugar, divided
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Glaze
- 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1-1/2 to 2 teaspoons whole milk
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease only the bottom of a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking while ensuring the sides bake properly.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, 1 cup of sugar, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk, egg, and vegetable oil until smooth.
- Make the Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until the mixture is moistened. Be careful not to overmix to maintain a tender crumb.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the remaining 1/2 cup sugar with the ground cinnamon, mixing thoroughly.
- Layer the Batter and Cinnamon Sugar: Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the batter. Add the remaining batter on top, then sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon sugar. Use a knife to cut through the batter and cinnamon sugar layers, swirling to create a cinnamon ribbon effect.
- Bake the Bread: Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick or cake tester into the center—if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the bread is done.
- Cool the Bread: Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before removing it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the bread from breaking apart and allows it to set.
- Make and Drizzle the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar with 1 1/2 to 2 teaspoons of whole milk until smooth. Adjust the milk quantity for desired consistency. Drizzle the glaze evenly over the cooled loaf for a sweet finishing touch.
Notes
- This Cinnamon Swirl Bread features a beautiful and delicious cinnamon sugar ribbon baked directly into the loaf for a stunning presentation.
- Be careful not to overmix the batter to keep the bread tender and light.
- Greasing only the bottom of the pan ensures good crust development on the sides.
- The glaze adds sweetness and visual appeal, but you can omit it if you prefer a less sweet bread.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12th of loaf)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg